Markshall Estate is a destination that has immediately been given a spot on our favourites list. The estate is located in Coggeshall which is nestled between Braintree and Colchester in the heart of Essex. Boasting an expansive 200 acres of magnificent arboretum where you’ll find a range of diverse trees and plant life from every corner of the globe, as well as many more acres comprised of ancient woodlands and tenanted farmland, there is a lot to discover and explore during a family day out.
Enjoy a Variety Activities
Our visit was filled to the brim with delightful surprises and engaging activities that catered to everyone’s interests. The estate is filled with family-friendly activities for the kids – playing in parks and adventurous tree escapades included.
Our highlights included caterpillar hunts, den building, nest hunting – the list goes on and on. Markshall Estate also host art and craft events throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye out for those dates when planning your visit.
Discover Wildlife and Flora
Markshall Estate is a haven for wildlife and flora. We were fortunate enough to spot exotic peacocks, adorable ducklings, and a variety of fascinating bugs during our visit.
The diversity of trees and flowers scattered along the pathways means there’s something to discover at very turn of the estate but also provides an educational experience for the children, igniting their curiosity about the natural world.
Plan Your Visit to Maximise Your Experience
We spent the entire day at the estate, and yet we barely managed to cover half of what the estate had to offer. With such a vast array of different areas to explore and activities to engage in, it’s impossible to experience everything in just one visit – it’s a place that calls for multiple trips.
Make the Most of the Facilities
Onsite they provide free parking, which is always a bonus. Toilet facilities are located around the estate, but the grounds are vast and it can take some time to walk between locations, so keep an eye out. There are also lovely picnic areas in the grounds, perfect for enjoying a family lunch under the warm sun and with plenty of shady spots under the oak trees. However, make sure to pack enough water, as there are limited spots to refill during your walk.
The Orchard Kitchen café within the estate offers a selection of food and drink, so if you’re looking to stop for lunch, or some homemade cakes then the cafe has everything you’ll need – they even serve cream teas if you’re looking for a lovely for a mid-day treat. Visit the Plant Centre to purchase a range of plants and small trees inspired by the Arboretum. Also worth noting that they also offer free WIFI and are dog friendly.
In our view, Markshall Estate is an absolute gem for a family day out. With lots of activities, coupled with the stunning views, this is a great way to explore the outdoors. It’s a place you can return to time and time again. We are already planning our next adventure there.
For more information visit: Markshall Website
Travel Info:
We travelled by car to this experience and driving time from Chelmsford was about 35mins.
It is possible to reach Markshall Estate by Train.
The nearest train station is Marks Tey which is about 6miles from the estate.
For more ideas for family days out take a look at the Visit Essex website.
